Iconic Brief Encounter clock returns to Carnforth Station after restoration

Wednesday 25 Mar 2026

Iconic Brief Encounter clock returns to Carnforth Station after restoration

Region & Route:: North West & Central

Visitors to Carnforth Railway Station can once again see the original clock made famous by the 1945 film Brief Encounter, returned to its rightful place 80 years after the film's release.

The clock, first installed at the station in December 1895 and manufactured by Joyce of Whitchurch, Shropshire, was removed in August 2020 for restoration and to have its fixings remade.

It is now back on display for passengers and visitors alike.

The return marks a significant moment for Carnforth. The station has long been a destination for enthusiasts of the David Lean classic Brief Encounter, and the clock is one of its most recognisable symbols.

Phil James, Network Rail’s route director said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be welcoming the original Brief Encounter clock back to its rightful place in Carnforth station.

"This is a real tourist attraction for people visiting the area and I am very grateful to Mike Smith, the owner of the clock for allowing us to have the clock back in the station.”

Mike Smith, owner of the clock, said: "I am so pleased to be here today, my father worked really hard to see this clock restored to its rightful place once again here on the platform and it is an honour to be able to represent him.

"Today is testament to the fact that common sense, coupled with a willingness to overcome challenges has prevailed. Everyone involved has done a terrific job of getting this true icon back to where it belongs."

Owain Roberts, Northern's stakeholder manager for the North West, said: “We’re delighted the iconic clock from Brief Encounter has returned to its home at Carnforth station

“It’s an important piece of local history and was a prominent feature at the station for years, with fans of the film travelling from far and wide to see it.

"They will be pleased to see the clock back in its rightful place and hopefully it will attract more visitors in the coming years.”

The clock has already been on a significant journey. In the 1980s it was thought to have been lost after the station fell into disrepair, but it was rescued by Alan Smith, who located the original workings, hands, faces, pendulum and weights at a dealer in Twickenham.

Alan paid for a full restoration, and the clock was first rehung at Carnforth in July 2002 before it was removed again in 2020 for a restoration. The clock now belongs to Alan’s son Mike.

For more information about Carnforth station’s history, visit: https://www.northernrailway.co.uk/stations/carnforth.

Notes to Editors

The clock's reinstallation was marked with a small celebration at the station. Attendees included the niece of Brief Encounter actress Celia Johnson, Jillie Fleming, alongside the clock's owner, Mike Smith, whose father Alan first rescued the clock after it was lost when the station fell derelict in the 1980s.
Alan Smith located the original workings, hands, faces, pendulum and weights at a dealer in Twickenham. He paid for a full restoration, and the clock was first rehung at Carnforth in July 2002. The clock was manufactured by Joyce of Whitchurch, Shropshire, and first installed at Carnforth Railway Station in December 1895.
Brief Encounter was directed by David Lean and released in 1945.

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